Another 'What Car should I get' thread.

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Another 'What Car should I get' thread.

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#1268701 26-Mar-2015 21:54

joker97: no, that's what the reviewers always say. i love the look of the new 6, a poor man's aston martin! but the reviewers always say - road noise, harsh ride ... so they must be right then ...

Totally true for the 2nd gen.

Even more noticeable when I daily drive an old 7 series with double-glazing and tyres that are getting hard to find because the width & profile are the same as a 4x4! :D

waqasmk

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#1268709 26-Mar-2015 22:09

Wade:
Jase2985: Honda Accord V6

http://www.hondaused.co.nz/webpub/modules/usedcar/jsp/carlist.jsp?model=V6ACD

+1

I have a '08 V6L and it's a great car

Grab a NZ new 'L' or 'N' spec and you will be happy for sure

I couldn't agree more, Accord V6 is probably one of the best option in this price range. I drive a 2009 accord 3.5 v6 and am looking at selling it and upgrading.

I don't understand why someone would prefer an NZ new over a Japanese Domestic Market car. After all these are Japanese cars and they make the best for their local market. My car comes with Radar cruise control, collision braking etc and I don't know if those were even available as optional for NZ new market.

I have upgraded from a Mark X to Accord V6. Mark X feels a lot more comfortable and smoother while accord is more sportier and a lot more spacious on the inside especially for the back seats.

surfisup1000

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#1268715 26-Mar-2015 22:18

waqasmk:
I don't understand why someone would prefer an NZ new over a Japanese Domestic Market car. After all these are Japanese cars and they make the best for their local market. My car comes with Radar cruise control, collision braking etc and I don't know if those were even available as optional for NZ new market.

It reminds me of the early days of jap imports back in the 90's . All imports would have air conditioning and power steering as standard whereas they were considered a luxury extra on NZ models.

I think the thing that turns people off imports are the radios (band expanders are a pain), navigation does not work and jap writing on bits and pieces. Also, I wonder if the japanese still smoke much in their cars.

MadEngineer

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#1268719 26-Mar-2015 22:24

I'm in a similar boat - wanting up update from my '97 diamante. Problem is, I love the car but it's just getting old. motor is awesome and a lot of fun. Am aiming to get another Diamante. Has the thread starter considered Diamantes? What are people's opinions on them? I must take a 380 for a test drive.

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

Batman

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#1268722 26-Mar-2015 22:33

don't get a diamante. i had one ... cash cow for the mechanic

Wade

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#1268724 26-Mar-2015 22:41

waqasmk:
Wade:
Jase2985: Honda Accord V6

http://www.hondaused.co.nz/webpub/modules/usedcar/jsp/carlist.jsp?model=V6ACD

+1

I have a '08 V6L and it's a great car

Grab a NZ new 'L' or 'N' spec and you will be happy for sure

I couldn't agree more, Accord V6 is probably one of the best option in this price range. I drive a 2009 accord 3.5 v6 and am looking at selling it and upgrading.

I don't understand why someone would prefer an NZ new over a Japanese Domestic Market car. After all these are Japanese cars and they make the best for their local market. My car comes with Radar cruise control, collision braking etc and I don't know if those were even available as optional for NZ new market.

I have upgraded from a Mark X to Accord V6. Mark X feels a lot more comfortable and smoother while accord is more sportier and a lot more spacious on the inside especially for the back seats.

The feel good factor of having a traceable history can be good peace of mind, likewise more guaranteed parts supply, support etc

For me things like NZ radio tuner, non japanese displays, full leather with silver not wood accents, sunroof & flappy paddles convinced me that NZ new was the best choice for me but hey each to their own, i would have liked keyless ignition but hey beggers choosers etc

I wanted a Euro as it looks so much nicer than the V6 but with a toddler and having to maneuver her in and out of a car seat the rear door opening being so much bigger convinced me to go V6, have never looked back or regretted decision, it's a great car and the longer i own it the more fond i am of it. It covers all bases for me right now

Jase2985

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#1268774 27-Mar-2015 05:52

Wade:

The feel good factor of having a traceable history can be good peace of mind, likewise more guaranteed parts supply, support etc

For me things like NZ radio tuner, non japanese displays, full leather with silver not wood accents, sunroof & flappy paddles convinced me that NZ new was the best choice for me but hey each to their own, i would have liked keyless ignition but hey beggers choosers etc

I wanted a Euro as it looks so much nicer than the V6 but with a toddler and having to maneuver her in and out of a car seat the rear door opening being so much bigger convinced me to go V6, have never looked back or regretted decision, it's a great car and the longer i own it the more fond i am of it. It covers all bases for me right now

exactly, full NZ service history, radio system setup for NZ.

also means they hold their value a little more than the JDM ones

Hatch

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Hatch (affiliate link).

jonathan18

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#1268800 27-Mar-2015 08:14

Jase2985:
Wade:

The feel good factor of having a traceable history can be good peace of mind, likewise more guaranteed parts supply, support etc

For me things like NZ radio tuner, non japanese displays, full leather with silver not wood accents, sunroof & flappy paddles convinced me that NZ new was the best choice for me but hey each to their own, i would have liked keyless ignition but hey beggers choosers etc

I wanted a Euro as it looks so much nicer than the V6 but with a toddler and having to maneuver her in and out of a car seat the rear door opening being so much bigger convinced me to go V6, have never looked back or regretted decision, it's a great car and the longer i own it the more fond i am of it. It covers all bases for me right now

exactly, full NZ service history, radio system setup for NZ.

also means they hold their value a little more than the JDM ones

I remember finding that most Japanese imports had fewer airbags than their NZ equivalents, eg it was common to still find only two airbags versus six in cars like the Fit/Jazz and the Atenza/6 (I only mention these models as they're what I was looking for). Perhaps this isn't so much of a problem for newer and/or more costly cars, but it was enough reason for me to restrict myself to NZ new when purchasing our last two cars.

MikeB4

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#1268803 27-Mar-2015 08:35

MadEngineer: I'm in a similar boat - wanting up update from my '97 diamante. Problem is, I love the car but it's just getting old. motor is awesome and a lot of fun. Am aiming to get another Diamante. Has the thread starter considered Diamantes? What are people's opinions on them? I must take a 380 for a test drive.

I purchased a Mitsubishi Diamante new many moons back, I did 60,000 trouble free KMs in it. Surely now the Diamante and its disastrous replacement the 380 are way to long in the tooth.

shk292

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#1268847 27-Mar-2015 09:35

I just traded in the wife's car - a Jap import. Main reason - radio was non-DIN and integrated with other controls so couldn't be changed out. Band expander doesn't give acceptable reception in our area. And the wife was sick of being jabbered at by a Japanese voice every few minutes, and seeing a map of Japan on the screen. I spent a lot of time trying to source the double-DIN adapter and bezel for the vehicle which would allow me to fit a NZ-suitable head unit, but with no luck.

Replacement was also a Jap import, but with standard DIN head unit that has now been swapped out, preserving camera, SWC etc. Wife happy

My lesson from this episode - never buy a Jap import unless it has DIN-standard head unit and you factor in the cost of replacing this with something suitable for NZ.

heylinb4nz

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#1269051 27-Mar-2015 14:24

15k budget and V6 id be inclined to look at a 3.0R Legacy (boxer = extra wide V :) ), with 15K you should get a nicely optioned one with Leather interior and a Mackintosh sound system (Anycar MP3 conversion unit for around $130) and you have a nice audio setup.

If Subaru's and boxers are out then perhaps a Skyline\Fuga\Inifinity 350GT(Type SP) or 370GT.

MadEngineer

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#1269182 27-Mar-2015 18:23

KiwiNZ:
MadEngineer: I'm in a similar boat - wanting up update from my '97 diamante. Problem is, I love the car but it's just getting old. motor is awesome and a lot of fun. Am aiming to get another Diamante. Has the thread starter considered Diamantes? What are people's opinions on them? I must take a 380 for a test drive.

I purchased a Mitsubishi Diamante new many moons back, I did 60,000 trouble free KMs in it. Surely now the Diamante and its disastrous replacement the 380 are way to long in the tooth.

there are still plenty of parts available for both. aside from mitsi not continuing the 380 (I believe because it was released at a time of high fuel prices), why do you describe it as disastrous?

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

MikeB4

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#1269192 27-Mar-2015 18:38

MadEngineer:
KiwiNZ:
MadEngineer: I'm in a similar boat - wanting up update from my '97 diamante. Problem is, I love the car but it's just getting old. motor is awesome and a lot of fun. Am aiming to get another Diamante. Has the thread starter considered Diamantes? What are people's opinions on them? I must take a 380 for a test drive.

I purchased a Mitsubishi Diamante new many moons back, I did 60,000 trouble free KMs in it. Surely now the Diamante and its disastrous replacement the 380 are way to long in the tooth.
there are still plenty of parts available for both. aside from mitsi not continuing the 380 (I believe because it was released at a time of high fuel prices), why do you describe it as disastrous?

I took a 380 out for a test drive as I was considering it as a replacement for the Diamante at the time, it was horrible, the seats were uncomfortable and compared to the Diamante it just did not perform to the same level and the design just was not as good as the Diamante. It was a showroom poor performer and from memory the last larger Mid range car sold here from Mitsubishi

MadEngineer

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#1269264 27-Mar-2015 20:30

What was the throttle response like on that 380? Delayed and restrictive or did it feel hard wired? My diamante feels like the latter where I can easily control the automatic gear box with my foot - pressing it a bit more to prevent it changing up (and releasing V6 music from under the hood if I press more than needed) or lifting my foot slightly then re-applying pressure to make it change up. This is of course how most autos work but this is much more consistent and predictive. There's no delay like in some Ford Mondeos where you keep feeling like you have to push the throttle harder as it hasn't responded yet. I believe my car has a split personality gearbox (adaptive transmission) that either drives like a nana if you treat it as such or keeps the revs higher for longer if you break or accelerate hard. This works surprisingly well when you're driving nicely for passengers or for when I'm on my own giving it some herbs. There's a tidy 380 I'm keen on in a yard in town and I might test drive it this weekend.

Sorry for the thread hijack but i'm sure this is on topic and better than creating yet yet another another car thread ...

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

MikeB4

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#1269272 27-Mar-2015 20:41

MadEngineer: What was the throttle response like on that 380? Delayed and restrictive or did it feel hard wired? My diamante feels like the latter where I can easily control the automatic gear box with my foot - pressing it a bit more to prevent it changing up (and releasing V6 music from under the hood if I press more than needed) or lifting my foot slightly then re-applying pressure to make it change up. This is of course how most autos work but this is much more consistent and predictive. There's no delay like in some Ford Mondeos where you keep feeling like you have to push the throttle harder as it hasn't responded yet. I believe my car has a split personality gearbox (adaptive transmission) that either drives like a nana if you treat it as such or keeps the revs higher for longer if you break or accelerate hard. This works surprisingly well when you're driving nicely for passengers or for when I'm on my own giving it some herbs. There's a tidy 380 I'm keen on in a yard in town and I might test drive it this weekend.

Sorry for the thread hijack but i'm sure this is on topic and better than creating yet yet another another car thread ...

To be honest it was 10 years ago I really cannot remember that sort of detail.

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